Author's Note: - I always say this, don't I? Again, apologies for the late update. But the fact is, updates will take at least one month from now onwards, for now school has started and it's hectic. Hope you enjoy reading this chapter. Feedback is appreciated.
There is this saying, 'What happens two times will surely happen the third time'. For a person who never believed in such things, the saying was nothing more than a sentence. But events have a way of unfolding. Those chance meetings would have remained just meetings, but destiny had its hand in it. Yes, that second meeting set the stage for another one, and before we knew it, it opened up a whole new path. More than a relationship, it was a warm camaraderie we shared. Until, unresolved things began to surface…
It was evening, the sun now on the verge of setting. As characteristic of summer, a mild breeze blew, only slightly reducing the temperatures. Misaki strolled down the street, heading towards the library. There was still time before night fell, and she was going to make the best use of it.
I could have called Reika and Amaya; they wouldn't have minded at all, she considered. Or maybe…never mind, I've already arrived here.
For a while she stood near the entrance, deciding what she should read. How about novels this time? She looked through the shelves, going through various genres, and finally settled for a mystery novel.
Settling down in of the arm-chairs, Misaki was soon engrossed in reading, hoping to finish at least half of it before she leaves, not wishing to take it home, however. An hour went by, and she looked up to notice the last rays streaking the sky. Slightly disconcerted but very much in control, she decided to leave. If I don't leave now, I'll be here till the library closes.
Glancing around, her eyesight caught a familiar shade of brown. It didn't take her more than a second to identify that person. Don't tell me, this is the third time it's happening. So much for déjà vu….
She stood still for a moment, as the familiar feeling of being dazed took over. Her thoughts disordered, she turned around, ready to leave the place. I don't know why but it's for the best if I avoid him.
However that was not going to happen, for the prodigy could feel the stare of someone behind him. Instinctively, he looked back, and the proverbial smile lit up his face. "Ah, it's you, Nishino-san…"
Misaki was caught. But rather than smiling sheepishly in return – the expected reaction, she looked on straight and spoke, "I know, Fuji-san, this is the third time it has happened."
Fuji spoke thoughtfully, "So it seems. These meetings show that we have similar tastes, now don't they?"
"Tastes?" Misaki was again confused. What kind of conclusions does he arrive on?
"Well, I believe I used the wrong word. It would be more appropriate to say that we may be similar, for we happen to be at the same place at the same time."
Misaki saw the light. "Now that you put it this way, I can't help but agree with you that we are similar."
Fuji posed another question. "But these meetings could be coincidences also, isn't it?"
Misaki was skeptical. Where the devil is he getting at? "They could be coincidences. I should say I agree more to this reasoning than the former one."
"So you believe in destiny?"
"Destiny? No, no, not at all."
"Why not? I think it clarifies a lot of unresolved things."
"I don't believe in putting the blame for unexpected happenings on destiny."
"That's good to hear."
"What?" Misaki was taken aback. "What do you mean by that?"
"Lighten up, Nishino-san," Fuji replied in an easy manner. "Your answer only shows that you consider yourself responsible for your own life."
Misaki sighed with relief. "So that was what you were driving at, Fuji-san."
"What did you assume it to be?"
Misaki considered for a moment before replying, "Nothing, I wasn't exactly getting your point though.'
"I see."
Both of them stood still for a moment, no one saying anything
Finally, Misaki broke the silence. "Fuji-san, would you mind joining me out for a while?"
Both of them were seated in the alfresco area of the café adjacent to the book store. Misaki felt ill at ease for some reason. She glanced towards the person sitting before her. Well, he appeared to be all too calm, although that was the precise impression he gave to others. Seated sideways, with one hand against the cheek, his eyes, half-closed as always, appeared to be gazing towards the sky. Misaki took in all this, silently observing while completely oblivious of the fact that the subject of her scrutiny was also doing the same.
Observant as ever, Fuji could not only just sense the awkwardness but the hesitation that was just below the surface. He was however unable to figure out the reason for it. Sure, the situation between them was more like two strangers meeting each other, not that they knew each other too well. But it seemed to him that the earlier conversation was not enough to break the ice.
It's not good if this silence prolongs like this, he thought. At this rate…
"Nishino-san, is anything the matter?" Fuji couldn't help but ask.
Misaki looked up. "No…nothing is wrong…everything is fine," she added slowly.
Her way of speaking puzzled him a bit. "Then…why the plaintive tone?"
Misaki laughed. "Plaintive? That's an interesting word you are using."
One moment she appeared to be exhausted, the next moment she was jovial. Fuji was now slightly perplexed. How striking that she can alter her moods so quickly.
"Really? Well, that's exactly what describes you this moment."
"No, I'm not all melancholic or mournful as you put it."
"Nice to hear. Anyway, no one likes a morose face."
"Speak for yourself. You are the one always smiling."
Fuji became alert for a moment, cerulean eyes briefly showing through narrow slits. However, if the reaction was there, it was all in the blink of an eye. The composure came back, the smile again finding its place. Call it involuntary cause and effect; he had grown accustomed to it.
"Yes, a smiling face can be quite likable, can't it?" was the response he gave.
"If you happen to be in a not so good mood, then yes, it can be," Misaki replied easily, but for all intents and purposes, she didn't miss the 'blink of an eye' reaction. There was definitely something about it, but she chose to put it aside. It could mean anything, but it just happened once. I won't make a mountain out of a molehill again.
They became silent again, but Misaki chose to break it with a question. "Isn't it funny? Our conversations don't seem like we are strangers."
"Strangers, huh? Yes, all we know about each other is the respective names."
"And yet our conversations look like we are good acquaintances."
"Not exactly. If you recall those conversations, you can see we are trying to figure out each other, albeit in a subtle way."
"How observant…"
That remark made both of them laugh. The ice was broken…
On impulse, Misaki looked back. She had a feeling someone was watching her, which proved to be right…
Reika and Amaya had been out together, shopping for necessary things and then just hanging about. They were strolling down the street which led to the library where Misaki was. While Amaya remained oblivious, Reika's roaming eyes caught a glimpse of Misaki and the person she was with. She couldn't believe her eyes.
"Amaya!" Reika tugged at her arm.
"What is it?" Amaya turned to face her somewhat impatiently.
"Look…" Reika surreptitiously pointed in Misaki's direction.
Amaya saw her too, and for a moment she was surprised. But her knowing smile overrode all astonishment. "That explains it…the past two days…" she murmured.
Misaki saw her two friends standing there. She didn't flinch under their inquisitive looks and with a discreet wave of hand, told them she will explain later. Both of them sighed as if to say 'we understand' and walked ahead.
Misaki heaved a sigh of relief and turned towards Fuji, only to find him on the phone. He was patiently listening to someone all too excited; she could make that out. By saying he'll call later, he kept the phone down and turned towards Misaki, who was smiling slightly.
"I should say it's getting late. We should get going," she spoke and made as if to leave by getting up. "And that means…"
"…we are walking back home." He finished the sentence for her.
"Quite a reader, I reckon," Misaki remarked as both of them started the walking down the street.
"You don't have to be a mind reader to assume such easy things," was the simple reply Fuji gave her.
"It's subjective, nevertheless."
"We don't wish to start a debate on that, now do we?"
"Of course not."
Both of them walked in comfortable silence, at times remarking at some thing that caught their interest or just sharing thoughts on certain matters. The turn came where both of them had to part ways for their respective streets.
"It was again nice meeting you, Fuji-san," Misaki spoke as a way of greeting.
"It was pleasant meeting you too, Nishino-san," Fuji also greeted her in reply.
"It might be nice to meet again like this."
"You mean as in a coincidental meeting?" he asked her deliberately.
Misaki chuckled. "You know very well in what way I mean…"
"Sure. I don't mind at all."
"All right then, see you tomorrow. Good Night."
"Good Night."
She waved and started towards her home down the street, all the while thinking, recalling. Maybe it wasn't that bad for not ignoring him, more like he caught me in good time.
It was the third time we met like this. I don't know if it has any significance but maybe, maybe I could start believing a little in destiny…